John 14:6 – Who is Jesus?

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)

This was the first verse I had the girls at the orphanage memorize because it is that important. If the girls take nothing more away from my class than this truth, they are on their way to living a more Christ-centered life. This verse is simple, yet powerful. If we have any desire to be close to God, Jesus is how we get there.

Context: Jesus was speaking intimately with his disciples in this chapter, telling them about the future and what was to come. He could sense their uneasiness in the unknown, and so he gave this direction to comfort and assure them. We may not understand the kingdom of God, heaven, or where Jesus is physically at this moment, but we can be sure he is the one to be watching. He certainly has left us a bunch of great teaching nuggets in this chapter. Continue reading “John 14:6 – Who is Jesus?”

1 Peter 3:18 – He Suffered For Us

“Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

This verse confirms that Jesus’ suffering was complete. He did something for us that nobody else could ever do. He did it once, and that was all it took. Our sins are forgiven.

Context: In this section of the chapter, discussion focused on the power found in doing good. As Christ-followers, we find ourselves drawn to do good deeds not out of duty but because we want to honor Christ. It’s hard to explain such motivation to someone who doesn’t believe the same. This particular verse reminds us of the good thing that Jesus did for us. It reminds us of the love behind Jesus’ sacrifice. Continue reading “1 Peter 3:18 – He Suffered For Us”

Romans 12:1 – Worship Like This

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”  (Romans 12:1)

Don’t get the wrong idea and imagine Paul telling the people in this letter to get up on a slab as a burnt offering sacrifice to the Lord. While that type of thing would be common in the pagan world, Paul’s counsel was for a different type of worship—a holy, devoted kind.

Context: The twelfth chapter of Romans is one of my favorite chapters because of all the gems. Paul’s whole letter to the Romans gives practical advice for living a faithful life devoted to Jesus. Paul had never met his audience, but he taught them with love and respect. When we think of the historical backdrop of events, new believers living in Rome had seen and endured a lot. Paul’s counsel would have been insightful and encouraging. Continue reading “Romans 12:1 – Worship Like This”

Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” (Philippians 2:3-4)

Usually, we focus on the positive things we should do to reflect good character and be more Christ-like. Here the verses focus on some “don’ts” as well. Either way, from whatever angle we come at these behaviors, this is good counsel. How much better the world would be if people just behaved like Paul suggests.

Context: In Chapter 2, Paul is sharing with us how we can have an attitude like Christ. We know he was 100% man as well as 100% God, but we can learn so much from how Jesus lived and behaved. He could not sin because he was God, so we have to work extra hard to try and attain some of what Paul teaches us. This chapter is full of great wisdom, but these verses go a long way to helping us be better humans. Continue reading “Philippians 2:3-4 – Don’t Do This”

John 10:27-28 – His Sheep

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” (John 10:27-28)

I don’t often think of myself as a sheep, but when I read and reflect on this verse I want to be one. Well, at least I’d like to be as Jesus describes them. To be totally devoted to Jesus is how I want to live my life, and this verse has some great promises.

Context: In Chapter 10 of John’s gospel, Jesus has identified himself as the “Good Shepherd.” It would have been a very interesting comparison back in those days because shepherds were not revered highly in society. Yet, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep would have been unique and almost intimate. These verses follow that discussion when the people were pressuring Jesus to confirm he was the Messiah. His response is priceless and worth memorizing. Continue reading “John 10:27-28 – His Sheep”

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